Arm Lift Surgery
(Brachioplasty)
Arm Lift Surgery Procedure in Abbotsford
When the skin on the upper arm loses its elasticity, whether from major weight loss, genetics, or the natural aging process, no amount of exercise will tighten it back up. We perform brachioplasty to remove that redundant skin and reshape the underlying tissue so the arm has a smoother, more proportional contour from the shoulder to the elbow. The amount of skin removed and the resulting scar pattern depend on how much laxity is present, which is why every arm lift plan starts with a hands-on assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Arm Lift?
We generally recommend brachioplasty for patients who:
- Have excess, hanging skin on the upper arm that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise
- Have reached a stable weight, ideally after completing any planned weight loss
- Are in good general health and do not smoke, or are willing to stop well before surgery
- Understand and accept that an arm lift leaves a scar along the inner or back of the arm in exchange for a tighter contour
- Have realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot change
If you’re still losing weight, we’ll usually recommend waiting until your weight has levelled off, since further loss after surgery can affect how the arm settles and how the scar matures.
In Your One-on-One Consultation with Dr. Brown
In our Abbotsford, BC office, Dr. Brown meets with every patient individually before recommending arm lift surgery. In your consultation, he will discuss:
- Whether you’re a good candidate for arm lift surgery
- Your goals and expectations for the procedure
- The incision and scar pattern used for your specific case
- What to expect during your arm lift recovery
- The benefits and potential risks of arm lift cosmetic surgery
We use this conversation to build a surgical plan around your anatomy and your goals, not a generic template.
What Recovery Looks Like Week by Week
Every patient heals at a different pace, but most of our brachioplasty patients follow a similar general timeline:
- First few days: Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness along the incision. Short, gentle walks help circulation, but the arms themselves need to stay rested.
- Week 1 to 2: Discomfort eases and energy starts to return. Many patients feel ready to resume light desk work and everyday tasks with their arms kept below shoulder height.
- Week 2 to 3: Incisions are typically healed enough that we can talk about starting scar care, and swelling continues to subside.
- Week 4 to 6: Light exercise can usually resume, built back up gradually rather than all at once.
- Around 6 weeks: Most patients are cleared to return to their full normal activity, including upper-body exercise.
- Longer term: The scar continues to fade and flatten over the following year or more, which is normal and expected for this type of incision.
We’ll give you a recovery plan specific to your surgery at your consultation, since healing time can shift depending on how much skin is removed and whether liposuction is performed at the same time.
Combining Arm Lift Surgery with Other Body Procedures
Because significant weight loss rarely affects just one area, we often discuss arm lift surgery alongside other body contouring options during your consultation. If your goals extend beyond your arms, we can map out a combined or staged surgical plan in your consultation so your results feel consistent across your whole body.
Arm Lift Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the surgery performed?
We perform arm lifts at a private, accredited surgical facility in New Westminster, BC, giving you a controlled, comfortable environment for your procedure.
How long is the surgery?
Most arm lift procedures take between one and a half to two and a half hours, depending on how much skin and tissue we’re addressing and whether liposuction is combined with it.
What is the recovery like after Brachioplasty?
You’ll wear a compression garment to support the arms and manage swelling, and should take 3-4 weeks off work and should refrain from upper body exercise for 6 weeks.
What is the price for Brachioplasty?
Since every arm lift is different, we provide a personalized quote after your consultation, and that quote stays valid for six months so you have time to plan.
Will I have a scar?
Yes. Brachioplasty requires an incision, typically placed along the inner or back of the upper arm, and we discuss the expected placement and length with you before surgery. The scar continues to fade over the following months.
Can arm lift surgery be combined with liposuction?
Yes, a small amount of liposuction is often used during an arm lift to refine the contour, and patients needing more extensive fat removal may benefit from a separate liposuction procedure alongside their brachioplasty.
How do I know if I need an arm lift instead of liposuction alone?
If your main concern is loose, hanging skin rather than fat, an arm lift addresses that directly, since liposuction alone cannot tighten skin. We’ll help you determine which approach, or combination, fits your arms during your consultation.
CONTACT DR. BROWN FOR A CONSULTATION SESSION TODAY